All good things come to an end, and alas, after 7 years and 15 movies, the DC Animated Universe (DCAU) based on DC's New 52 continuity reached its conclusion. Starting with Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox in 2013, the animated film series ended with Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, and it was quite the finale. Animated superhero films don't have the best reputation for being wholly good, but every now and then we get a film that further emboldens the genre and Apokolips War is one of them.
As Darkseid prepares a final siege on Earth. The planet's heroes decide to launch a pre-emptive strike to stop the New God in his tracks. Needless to say things don't go according to plan, resulting in a massive shit show. When most of the planet's heroes are killed, enslaved or rendered powerless, it's up to the reluctant John Constantine, voiced by the talented Matt Ryan, (the Constantine actor from the cancelled live-action series) to help the resistance put up one last offensive. Armed with his arsenal of magic, wits and dry humour, Constantine and Earth's last surviving heroes and villains, team up to reclaim the planet or die trying, and yes the Suicide Squad are involved.
Apokolips War is one of the darker films of the DCAU, but underneath all the decapitations and bloody fountains, is a good plot, and even better subplots with tons of easter eggs for the more keen-eyed DC fan. As it usually is in these animated films, many characters are largely underused, and the spotlight is on a handful of characters, with the story revolving around Constantine, Superman, Raven and Robin. But beyond the superpowers, drama and action, there is an underlying theme about choice, (or its lack thereof) repercussion, and letting go, with a few emotionally compelling moments to boot.
A culmination of the 14 films before it, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is quite captivating and entertaining as you're largely invested in seeing how it all turns out. It's definitely one of the best films in the series and a great way to wrap up the Flashpoint saga. The DCAU will return as DC films prepares to reboot the universe starting with the upcoming film, Superman: Man of Tomorrow, to be released later this year.
Reject Rating: 8.5/10
Images Courtesy of Warner Bros.
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